Attacks on British Police

A recent study of British police officers revealed some startling results: “Eight out of ten police officers have been physically attacked and a third suffered injuries last year” (The Times, July 1, 2019). During 2017–2018, there was a 20% rise in assaults on police officers—over 26,000 in total. One third of police surveyed reported assault injuries so severe that they needed medical attention. Last year police officers took over 500,000 medical leave days for mental health reasons. One British police officer is attacked every 20 minutes.

Anxiety has long been part of the job for police officers, but it is now reaching epic levels, especially in Britain—historically a law-abiding nation where British “bobbies” were unarmed. However, Bible prophecies provide a unique perspective for this upsurge in attacks on officers designated to keep the peace and protect society. The Bible states that “in the last days perilous [difficult, dangerous, stressful] times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves… proud… unloving, unforgiving… without self-control, brutal, despisers of good” (2 Timothy 3:1-3). The prophet Ezekiel wrote, “The end has come…. Pride has budded. Violence has risen up into a rod of wickedness” (Ezekiel 7:2, 10–11).

Sadly, these violent and aggressive behaviors are not limited to Britain. As we look around the world, we see fewer and fewer people who respect authority. Not only do many despise those in authority, but they are also taking violent actions against them. To better understand the significance of the times in which we are living and to find out where all of this is leading, be sure to read our insightful commentary “Violent Times.”